CycleClips 7 June 2013

Road Justice campaign launched; Goodbye to Richard Ballantine; Not dropping shopping by bike; Boulting's back 'On the Road Bike'; Are you a cycling Lewis Hamilton? Mexicans wave away errant drivers; Chris and Catherine reach halfway; Help revitalise the York Cycle Show; Could it be you?

There are more Tri-Vet rides taking place this weekend at various locations across the UK. If you are over 50 and think you can ride 100 miles in under 12 hours, why not give one a go?

Julie Rand, CTC Information Team

Doing justice to bad driving

CTC has launched a Road Justice Campaign to take to task the police, the prosecution services and the judiciary over the way they treat bad drivers. The launch of the campaign, which is supported by Slater and Gordon Lawyers, comes just days after the success of CTC’s campaign for an appeal of the ‘unduly lenient’ sentence given to Edinburgh driver Gary McCourt, who has now killed two cyclists. Since 2009, CTC has collected over 4000 reports of bad driving and has spoken directly to victims whose cases were not dealt with properly by the legal system. Road Justice has interviewed cycling victims such as Sarah-Charlotte Peace, who tells how the system failed her, compounding her suffering. CTC will work with such victims to help make bad driving be taken more seriously and bring about safer road conditions for all road users.

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Goodbye Richard

Richard Ballantine, CTC member and the 'Richard' of the world-renowned Richard’s Bicycle Book, has sadly passed away. The Daily Telegraph’s obituary of him called the book “a bike-shed ‘Bible” and tributes paid to him on our Facebook page say: “Richard's book changed me from a bloke with a bike into a cyclist” and “Thank you Richard, love and memories, hope your wings come with wheels”.

Not dropping the shopping

Currently, about 80% of shopping trips could easily be done by bike. CTC Cycling Development Officer Gavin Wood is now looking for 500 people to take part in a retail experiment as part of the EU's Intelligent Energy project. Gavin said: “We conducted a trial last year and the results were pretty illuminating. Satisfyingly, most people said they were going to carry on using bikes."

Boulting's back 'On the Road Bike'

Ned Boulting is familiar to many as a cycling commentator for ITV and also author of ‘How I Won The Yellow Jumper: Dispatches from the Tour de France”. Now he has followed up the success of that first publication with ‘On The Road Bike: The Search for a Nation’s Cycling Soul’. The book explores the resurgence in interest in cycle sport in the UK and pays tribute to the past's unsung heroes.

Are you a cycling Lewis Hamilton?

If you fancy emulating cycling stars yourself, why not take part in the Silverstone 24hr Cycling Grand Prix on 14-15 September? CTC is a charity partner for the event and is looking for supporters to put together a team to raise funds for our vital cycling development and campaigning work. All entrants get a free Silverstone cycling jersey worth £55 and riders of all abilities are encouraged to take part.

Mexicans wave away errant drivers

People who park or drive in cycle lanes are rarely fined. However, a Mexican TV station has taken matters into its own hands in a rather dramatic fashion: berating errant motorists using loud speakers from the seats of cargo trikes. Although unorthodox, the method proves successful as the shamed drivers are forced to rejoin the correct side of the carriageway.

The Olivers reach halfway house

Chair of CTC Scotland Chris Oliver and his daughter Catherine have just reached half way in their ride across America in aid of charity WaterAid, which helps transform the lives of people in developing countries. If the Olivers’ epic trip has inspired you to undertake a charity ride of your own, why not take part in something a little closer to home? WaterAid has a London to Paris ride from 11-15 September 2013.

York Cycle Show 2014

The York Cycle Show may not be taking place this year but it aims to be back better than ever in 2014. To this end, there will be an Extraordinary General Meeting of the York Cycle Show Committee on 22 June in York for those who want to help remodel and revitalise the event. For more information, contact Paul Hepworth or Arthur Spurr.

Could it be you?

If you live in the North West of England, you may be interested in a vacancy CTC has for a Project Coordinator for Cheshire West and Chester from 24 June to 29 November 2013. The role involves delivering a ‘Walking and Cycling Workplace Challenge’ in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Deeside and Broughton in association with Cheshire West and Cheshire Council.The closing date is Friday 14 June.

Julie Rand has edited CycleClips since 2011 and has been working at CTC in various guises since 2001.